Plastic Ban Flouted at Shimla Winter Carnival, Pollution Control Board Under Fire
Shimla, January 1, 2025
In a blatant violation of Himachal Pradesh's strict ban on plastic, the Shimla Winter Carnival at The Ridge has come under sharp scrutiny. Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla and member of the Simla Collective, Tikender Singh Panwar, has raised an alarm over the rampant use of banned plastic materials at the event.
Panwar, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), Onkar Sharma, has criticized the board's inaction and called for immediate intervention.
Accompanied by photographic evidence, the letter highlights the use of plastic utensils imported from outside the state to serve food at the carnival stalls.
“This is a direct violation of Himachal’s plastic ban,” Panwar wrote, questioning the apparent negligence of the pollution control authorities.
The issue does not end there. Panwar also pointed out the rampant use of unauthorized flex banners at The Ridge and the Mall Road.
These banners not only contravene state laws but also disregard a March 2024 directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which mandated the removal of all flex banners exceeding permissible thickness.
The court order had underlined the environmental hazards posed by flex, yet violations continue unchecked in the heart of the capital.
Panwar’s letter urged the HPSPCB to wake up from its "deep slumber" and visit the sites to hold violators accountable. He emphasized that the board had previously acknowledged limits on flex thickness, yet it has failed to enforce these norms effectively.
“The disregard for the High Court's orders and the state’s environmental policies is alarming,” Panwar stated, calling for urgent action against those responsible for the violations.
This incident has once again spotlighted the inefficacy of regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance with environmental laws. With Shimla already grappling with pollution and waste management issues, the Carnival’s mismanagement raises serious questions about accountability and enforcement.
